Subaru Extended Warranty Review: Everything You Need to Know

Subaru’s Added Security extended warranty plans take effect after the factory warranty and CPO warranty (if applicable) have both expired. Plans are available for up to an 8-year term and 120,000 miles, or 10 years and 100,000 miles depending upon service level. These service options allow for long-term warranty coverage for your Subaru, and are the only company-backed extended warranty option.

The basic Classic Plan within the Added Security Program includes major component coverage for the selected term. Major components include the engine, drivetrain, the all-wheel drive system, transmission, as well as electrical, cooling and fuel systems, and air conditioning. Additionally, the Classic Plan includes towing cost reimbursement in the event of a breakdown, and rental car reimbursement during a repair. There are two deductible options available on the Classic Plan, either $0 or $100.

The Gold Plus Plan is the more comprehensive, costlier option within the Added Security program. It includes all major components from the Classic Plan, and adds in extra coverage for almost everything else. Subaru indicates the Gold Plus is roughly equivalent to the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty included on new vehicles. Excluded from Gold Plus coverage are body panels and parts, and maintenance items. Also included in the Gold Plus plan are towing and rental car reimbursement coverage.

At either level, the Added Security Program includes coverage for select wear and tear components, as well as onboard computer systems. Subaru indicates it covers other items that are often excluded from aftermarket warranty agreements. Additionally, Subaru’s extended warranty is transferable to a new owner should you sell the car during the term of the coverage. There is a small transfer fee, or alternatively the extended warranty can be canceled at sale for a prorated refund.

The Added Security Program is fully backed by Subaru, and any repairs made under the warranty are done with new, genuine Subaru parts and completed by the dealership and its Subaru-trained technicians. This is in contrast to other aftermarket warranties, which may allow for off-brand parts, or even used parts.

Worth noting, the Added Security plan can only be purchased within a limited span of time. To qualify for Added Security, your Subaru must still be covered by the factory New Vehicle Limited Warranty. That means you must decide within the initial 3-year, 36,000-mile term whether you want Subaru’s extended warranty.

A word of caution: Subaru’s own website for Added Security contains conflicting information about the differences in coverage between the Classic Plan and the Gold Plus Plan. Before purchasing an Added Security plan from Subaru be sure to read the fine print of the warranty contract, and make sure the coverages are as expected.

How Much Does Added Security Cost?

Because dealers set the exact price depending on the plan, the costs can vary pretty wildly. Most extended warranties across the entire industry, OEM and aftermarket, cost between $1,500 and $3,000. Our research found that while you can sometimes find Subaru extended warranty coverage for as little as $1,500, that’s uncommon. Typical quotes range from about $2,200 to $3,600. There are lots of Subaru dealerships, so it pays to shop around, especially if the quoted costs range beyond these numbers.

Plans are available for up to an 8-year term and 120,000 miles, or 10 years and 100,000 miles, with a variable term over two levels of coverage. These service options allow for long-term warranty coverage for your Subaru, and are the only company-backed extended warranty option. Subaru does not provide pricing information on individual vehicles, and says to contact your dealer for extended warranty pricing.

Pricing will be dependent on service level and length of coverage, as well as the deductible selected. Subaru offers only two deductible options, either $0 or $100 per warranty event. The $100 deductible will mean a lower warranty premium, but will need to be paid at the start of each warranty claim.

Subaru offers Added Security across two levels of coverage. The basic Classic Plan includes major component coverage for the selected term. Major components include the engine, drivetrain, the all-wheel drive system, transmission, as well as electrical, cooling and fuel systems, and air conditioning. Additionally, the Classic Plan includes towing cost reimbursement in the event of a breakdown, and rental car reimbursement during a repair.

The Gold Plus Plan is the more comprehensive, costlier option within the Added Security Program. It includes all major components from the Classic Plan, and adds in extra coverage for almost everything else. Subaru indicates the Gold Plus is roughly equivalent to the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty included on new vehicles. Excluded from Gold Plus coverage are body panels and parts, and maintenance items.

Also included in the Gold Plus plan are towing and rental car reimbursement coverage. Notably, towing and rental car coverages at both levels are reimbursement, which means the owner covers the cost for them up front, and is then reimbursed afterward by Subaru. Gold Plus features additional reimbursement on lodging and meals in the event of a breakdown when you’re away from home.

Further, reimbursement under Gold Plus comes with a $100 guaranteed allowance for various roadside services. Those services include towing, as well as any costs associated with changing a tire, jump starts, gasoline delivery and locksmiths. The allowance also applies to other travel assistance services like trip routing and retailer location services.

At either level, the Added Security Program includes coverage for select wear and tear components, as well as onboard computer systems. Subaru indicates it covers other items that are often excluded from aftermarket warranty agreements.

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The Added Security plan is intended to cover defects in parts and workmanship. And while it does cover some wear and tear items, other things are not included. Regular maintenance is not covered by the Added Security plan. Additionally, damage caused by general abuse, neglect in maintenance, fire events, or accidents are not covered by Added Security.

Further, repairs that were completed with unauthorized parts (any non-Subaru brand parts) or improper repairs are not covered. Added Security will not cover any repairs required due to a vehicle being used for racing purposes. Finally, any damage caused by environmental events like bad weather, flooding, or similar are not covered under the extended warranty.

Subaru offers its CPO Warranty on eligible used Subarus that have passed the company’s comprehensive inspection. To qualify for CPO coverage, a Subaru must be five years old or less, and have less than 80,000 miles on the odometer. The inspection process includes 152 separate points to make sure the used vehicle is in excellent condition.

The Subaru Certified Pre-Owned warranty takes effect after the expiration of any New Vehicle Limited Warranty remaining. The CPO program’s benefit is primarily powertrain coverage, as it offers a 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty on all powertrain components. In addition, the CPO Warranty includes 24/7 Roadside Assistance, a $500 Owner Loyalty Coupon, a one-year subscription to Subaru’s STARLINK safety package with collision notification, a three-month SiriusXM radio trial, and a Carfax report.

Subaru’s CPO warranty is fully transferable to a new owner, should you decide to sell it within the CPO coverage period.